Carried out in the UK airspace over the North Sea at 19,000ft, the refuelling mission involved the use of the Voyager tanker based at RAF Brize Norton and the F-35B operated by No 617 Squadron based at RAF Marham, Norfolk.

The RAF’s tanker is the service’s main air-to-air refuelling aircraft, along with the Voyager KC Mk 2 and its two underwing pods for refuelling fast jets, as well as the Voyager KC Mk 3 with additional centreline hose for use by large aircraft.

No 101 Squadron Voyager captain said: “The Voyager aircraft offers a highly capable air-to-air refuelling capability, with which we provide regular support to many of the RAF’s fixed wing aircraft. Supporting the new F-35B, as it enters service, is a hugely important task for the Voyager force.

“We look forward to enhancing our support for the F35B during this important period for the F-35B development programme.”

“Today’s sortie went extremely well and builds on the air-to-air refuelling deployment sorties flown from the US to the UK earlier this year.

“We look forward to enhancing our support for the F35B during this important period for the F-35B development programme.”

The F-35B multi-role aircraft will be jointly operated by the UK RAF and the UK Royal Navy. It is capable of carrying out short take-offs and vertical landings.